AP PhotoTigers starting pitcher Jacob Turner throws during a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Atlanta Braves on March 7 in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo)

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The battle for the fifth spot is far from over, but Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland is slowly putting the finishing touches on his starting rotation.

Leyland all but ruled out right-hander Jacob Turner early Friday, acknowledging that is “very unlikely” the 20-year-old will return in time to win the final spot.

“I’m not ruling Turner out 100 percent, but I would say at this juncture that it’s very unlikely with being shut down,” Leyland said. “When I say that, I like to leave myself open, so it’s probably unlikely at this point.”

Turner was officially shut down for a week after he was diagnosed with tendinitis earlier this week. He is undergoing treatment and will be reassessed next week, head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said Wednesday.

“If you’re doing your homework, you can pretty much gather that it’s going to be tough for Turner,” Leyland said. “And, you know it’s not going to be (Casey) Crosby.”

The Tigers announced Thursday that Crosby’s contract had been optioned to Triple-A Toledo prior to their game against the Baltimore Orioles.